Land rover Discovery i problems

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The Land Rover Discovery is a series of seven-seater family SUVs, produced under the Land Rover marque, from the British manufacturer Land Rover, and later Jaguar Land Rover. The series is currently in its fifth iteration (or generation, according to the manufacturer), the first of which was introduced in 1989, making the Discovery the first new model series since the launch of the 1970 Range Rover – on which it was based – and only the third new product line since the conception of the Land Rover (vehicle and brand) by Rover in 1948. The model is sometimes called influential, as one of the first to market a true off-road capable family car.

Although the Range Rover had originally been designed as an everyday four wheel drive car that could be used as both a utility vehicle and a family car, it had progressively moved upmarket through its life to evolve into a luxury vehicle sold at a much higher price point. The Discovery was intended to fulfill the role the Range Rover originally was intended for; a segment which was now dominated by Japanese rivals such as the Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser. Although positioned below the Range Rover in the company's line-up, the vehicle was both longer and higher, offered more room in the back, and optionally also more seats. Space utilization became more sophisticated in later iterations, but the series keeps offering seats for seven occupants. Despite originally being sold as an affordable alternative to the Range Rover, the Discovery has also progressively moved upmarket through its successive generations to become a bonafide luxury SUV.

The second Discovery (1998) was called the Series II, and though featuring an extended rear body, was otherwise an updated facelift, which carried on the 100 in (2,540 mm) wheelbase frame and rigid, live front and rear axles of the original Range Rover into 2004.

The third iteration – succeeding the series I and II in 2004 - was either titled the Discovery 3 or simply LR3 (in North America and the Middle East). This was the first all-original design for the Discovery. Although it followed the 2002 third generation Range Rover, also switching to fully independent suspension, it still received a separate, but integrated body and frame (IBF) structure. The fourth iteration, as of 2009 – like the series II, was again mainly an update of the new generation – marketed as the Discovery 4, or Land Rover LR4 for North American and Middle Eastern markets.

The fifth iteration of the Discovery, introduced in 2017, no longer sports a numeric suffix. Unlike the previous two generations, it now benefits from a unitized body structure, making it lighter than its predecessor.

photo of Land rover Discovery i car production

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Land rover Discovery i model years

land rover discovery i 1997 photo
Discovery i 1997
Land rover

2

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  • 5
  • 4
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  • 1
land rover discovery i 1996 photo
Discovery i 1996
Land rover

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1

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  • 4
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land rover discovery i 1995 photo
Discovery i 1995
Land rover

4

1

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  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
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  • 1

Common Land rover Discovery i problems

The Land Rover Discovery is a popular luxury SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the Land Rover Discovery I, based on complaints from owners.

  • Leaking Head Gaskets: Another issue with the Series 1 Discovery is leaking head gaskets, which can result in low coolant levels.
  • Sticking Windshield Wipers: Sticking windshield wipers can cause delays in wiper operations in the Series 1 Discovery.
  • Sticky Ignition Switches: Sticky ignition switches can cause keys to stick or break in the Series 1 Discovery.
  • Td5 Head Gasket Dowel Failure: In the Series 2 Discovery, the Td5 head gasket dowels can break, leading to head gasket shifting.
  • Rear Air Suspension Failure: The rear air suspension can fail in the Series 2 Discovery due to the air springs wearing out.
  • Broken Road Springs: Broken road springs can be a problem in the Series 2 Discovery.
  • Leaking Diesel in the Fuel Pressure Regulator: Leaking diesel in the fuel pressure regulator can occur in the Series 2 Discovery.
  • Fuel Pump Issues: Fuel pump issues can also be a problem in the Series 2 Discovery.
  • Air Suspension Issues: The air suspension can be a common maintenance issue in the Series 3 and Series 4 Discovery models.
  • Front/Rear Suspension Arms, Anti Roll Bushes, Hub and Bearing, Differential, and Suspension Tie Bars: These are common troubleshooting issues in the Series 3 Discovery.
  • Brake Discs and Pads: Brake discs and pads can wear out over time in the Series 4 Discovery due to its suspension and weight distribution.
  • EGR Valves, Locking Wheels, and Hand Brake Screeching: These are common maintenance issues in the Series 4 Discovery.
  • Fuel Leaks: Fuel leaks can occur in the TD5 Defender from the fuel pressure regulator block due to deteriorating rubber seals.
  • New Defender Issues: The new Defender has issues with keyfobs automatically locking the cars, leaking seals letting rain in, and a range of engine issues.
  • Head Gasket Issues: Head gasket issues seem to be common in most versions of the Land Rover, including the Discovery.

In summary, the Land Rover Discovery I has several common problems, including issues with the rear cargo door latch, head gaskets, windshield wipers, ignition switches, Td5 head gasket dowels, rear air suspension, road springs, fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump, air suspension, front/rear suspension arms, anti roll bushes, hub and bearing, differential, and suspension tie bars. The Series 4 Discovery also has issues with brake discs and pads, EGR valves, locking wheels, and hand brake screeching. The TD5 Defender can have fuel leaks, and the new Defender has issues with keyfobs, leaking seals, and engine problems. Head gasket issues seem to be common in most versions of the Land Rover.

Land rover Discovery i

What are the main problems with Land Rover Discovery?

What are the most common problems with a used Land Rover Discovery 4x4?

  • Reason for recall: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) feature will not be available.
  • Reason for recall: The fuel return hose may leak. ...
  • Reason for recall: Vehicles failed to routinely achieve the required levels of CO2 emissions.

What is the most common problem in Land Rover?

One of the most common problems Land Rover owners face is air suspension problems. The air suspensions on Land Rovers are great – they're part of the reason you get such a comfortable ride, but…. it's generally one of the first things to go wrong.

Is Land Rover Discovery a reliable vehicle?

The Discovery is notorious for being one of the least reliable models in Land Rover's lineup. As such, we can't recommend a model that is almost three decades old, even with good mileage and price. CarComplaints.com have listed 68 complaints and four recalls for the 1995 Discovery.

Is Land Rover Discovery high maintenance?

A Land Rover Discovery will cost about $16,485 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This is more than the industry average for luxury SUV models by $771. There is also a 49.63% chance that a Discovery will require a major repair during that time.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Land rover Discovery i years

We have researched Land rover problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Land rover Discovery i cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Land rover Discovery i model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Land rover Discovery i model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Land rover Discovery i years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Land rover Discovery i car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Land rover Discovery i , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Structure problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Steering problems
  • Other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Land rover Discovery i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Land rover Discovery i . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Land rover Discovery i vehicles.

List of Land rover Discovery i complaints

Land rover Discovery i 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-11-05
  • Date Complaint: 2007-11-16
  • VIN: SALJY1245VA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY I. WHEN THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SMELLED OF GASOLINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VIN APPEARED TO BE INVALID. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,940 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,500.
Land rover Discovery i 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-09-21
  • Date Complaint: 2007-09-26
  • VIN: SALJY1246SA
  • Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. FURTHERMORE, THE DOOR COULD NOT BE CLOSED. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, ALTHOUGH THE WHEELS WOULD TURN. AS OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 161,983.
Land rover Discovery i 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-04-18
  • Date Complaint: 2007-04-23
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE, MY 1997 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE. THE EXPLOSION CAUSED THE CRASH SENSORS TO ACTIVATE (BLINKERS, FUEL CUT). THE DRIVE SHAFT WENT THROUGH THE PASSENGER FLOOR RIPPING OUT WIRES. THANKFULLY, NOBODY WAS INJURED HOWEVER THERE WAS A REAL POSSIBILITY THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS INJURY FROM THIS. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE. *JB
Land rover Discovery i 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2007-04-20
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY I. HE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 04V203000 IN AUGUST 2006 CONCERNING FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE REPLACING THE FUEL TANK. ALSO, THEY STATED THAT IT WOULD COST THE CONTACT APPROXIMATELY $500 TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 148,000. *AK
Land rover Discovery i 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-05-12
  • Date Complaint: 2005-05-12
  • VIN: SALJN1245SA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
  • Summary: RECALL #04V203000
Land rover Discovery i 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-03-22
  • Date Complaint: 2004-07-15
  • VIN: SALJY1248SA
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED WITH RECALL #96V247000. *AK *JB

Recalls Land rover Discovery i

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Land rover Discovery i.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Land rover Discovery i 1995
  • Report Received Date: 2004-04-12
  • Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STRESS CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE PLASTIC FUEL TANKS.
  • Consequence: CRACKS WHICH CONTINUE TO PROPAGATE CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN SIGNS OF LIQUID FUEL FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN FILLING THE TANK, PARTICULARLY IF OVERFILLING IS ATTEMPTED. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
  • Model: Land rover Discovery i 1996
  • Report Received Date: 2004-04-12
  • Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STRESS CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE PLASTIC FUEL TANKS.
  • Consequence: CRACKS WHICH CONTINUE TO PROPAGATE CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN SIGNS OF LIQUID FUEL FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN FILLING THE TANK, PARTICULARLY IF OVERFILLING IS ATTEMPTED. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
  • Model: Land rover Discovery i 1997
  • Report Received Date: 2004-04-12
  • Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STRESS CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE PLASTIC FUEL TANKS.
  • Consequence: CRACKS WHICH CONTINUE TO PROPAGATE CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN SIGNS OF LIQUID FUEL FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN FILLING THE TANK, PARTICULARLY IF OVERFILLING IS ATTEMPTED. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.

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Land rover Discovery i photo